Vincent got the chess set, which would have been a very decent present to get at a church Christmas party, except it was obviously used and, as we discovered later, it was missing a black pawn and a white knight. My mother graciously thanked the unknown benefactor, saying, “Too good. Cost too much.” At which point, an old lady with fine white, wispy hair nodded toward our family and said with a whistling whisper, “Merry, merry Christmas.” What motivates the speaker’s mother to “graciously [thank] the unknown benefactor”? Lindo Jong wants to model how a thankful attitude can make others feel good about giving to charity. Lindo Jong is motivated by Vincent’s unhappiness at receiving a used gift. Lindo Jong wants to model how “invisible strength” can be used to shame the benefactor. Lindo Jong is motivated by a life lesson that Waverly “Meimei” Jong taught her.
